AUT 148 - Automotive Suspension, Steering, and Alignment

Description
In this course, students learn theory, operation, and service procedures of tire and wheel assemblies, suspension systems, and steering systems. Students also learn wheel-alignment principles and procedures. The study and hands-on learning in this course meet standards specified by the ASE Education Foundation in the area of Suspension and Steering (A4).

Recommend Skills: Automotive Technology students must be able to read and comprehend complex technical information and instructions.

Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 4
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Course Fees: $20.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Automotive Technology, A.A.A.S., Automotive Technology Certificate

General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Diagnose and repair steering systems, including conventional and rack-and-pinion.

2. Diagnose and repair suspension systems.

3. Understand wheel alignment angles and perform alignment.

4. Service tire and wheel assemblies, including Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS).

5. Clearly and completely state and describe a problem/issue.

6. Develop a plan to implement a solution to a problem or issue.
Course Outline:
I. Wheel Bearings

II. Wheels and Tires

III. Suspensions

A. Front

B. Rear

C. Shocks and Struts

IV. Steering

A. Linkages and Components

B. Power Steering

V. Wheel Alignment

A. Alignment Angles

B. Adjustments

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture and Demonstration: 35-50%

Worksheets and Laboratory Exercises: 50-65%
Mandatory Course Components:
None
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: Entry-Level Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) ASE Suspension and Steering (A4) certification

Course-Specific Placement Test:
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: NA

Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None

Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture/Lab - Must meet Lecture & Lab Ratios
Total Lecture/Lab Hours Per Week: 4
People Soft Course ID Number: 101707
Course CIP Code: 47.9999
Maximum Course Enrollment: 24
General Room Request: Automotive Classroom and Auto Lab Space

Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: Job Training
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: Automotive Technician

School: School of Business & Industry
Department: Automotive
Discipline: AUT
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Program Accreditation Requirement (list below), Certification/License Requirement (list below)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
The instructor must be ASE certified in this subject area and have at least 2 years of work experience in the automotive field, in order to meet ASE Education Foundation accreditation requirements.

Major Course Revisions: Prefix, N/A
Last Revision Date Effective: 20220216T10:08:53
Course Review & Revision Year: 2026-2027